Natural astaxanthin enhanced antioxidant capacity and improved semen quality through the MAPK/Nrf2 pathway in aging layer breeder roosters

• Published in: Journal of animal science and biotechnology 2021-11, Vol.12 (1), p.112-112, Article 112
• Main Authors: Gao, Shan, Heng, Nuo, Liu, Fang, Guo, Yong, Chen, Yu, Wang, Liang, Ni, Hemin, Sheng, Xihui, Wang, Xiangguo, Xing, Kai, Xiao, Longfei, Qi, Xiaolong
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Aging; Aging (natural); Aging rooster; Anions; Antioxidant capacity; Antioxidants; Astaxanthin; Birds; Breeder reactors; Diet; Enzymatic activity; Enzymes; Free radicals; Gene expression; Hydroxyl radicals; Kinases; MAP kinase; MAPK/Nrf2 pathway; Motility; mRNA; Natural astaxanthin; Oxidation; Protein kinase; Proteins; Reproduction; Reproductive technologies; Semen; Semen quality; Soybeans; Sperm; Stains & staining; Superoxide anions
• ISSN: 2049-1891; 1674-9782; 2049-1891
• DOI: 10.1186/s40104-021-00633-8

Background Natural astaxanthin (ASTA) has strong antioxidant properties and has been widely used as a health product to improve human health. However, the effects of ASTA on the reproductive performance of aging roosters have been poorly studied. We aimed to investigate the effects of dietary ASTA on semen quality and antioxidant capacity in aging roosters and to explore the potential mechanism of semen quality change via anti-oxidation defense system. Methods In the present study, 96 53-week-old Jinghong No. 1 layer breeder roosters were fed a corn-soybean meal basal diet containing 0, 25, 50, or 100 mg/kg ASTA for 6 weeks. Results Semen quality in the ASTA groups remarkably improved than that in the control group, and antioxidant activities, the abilities to scavenge hydroxyl radicals and superoxide anions, increased gradually with ASTA addition (P